Bhubaneswar, Jan 7: The Water Security Plan for Bhubaneswar and adjoining areas was reviewed by Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, at a meeting held in Kharabela Bhawan here on Wednesday, officials said.

The plan, prepared by the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO), aims to address the growing demand for drinking water in the capital city and surrounding urban centres.

Additional Secretary Subhananda Mohapatra, WATCO Managing Director Debabrata Mohanty and other senior officials attended the review. Ms. Padhee directed WATCO to prioritize ongoing and proposed water supply projects and ensure timely completion, keeping in view Bhubaneswar’s rapid population growth and future urban expansion.

Mr. Mohanty presented the current water supply scenario, highlighting a demand of 304 MLD against an existing supply capacity of 238.50 MLD, leaving a gap of 65.50 MLD presently managed through groundwater. He outlined augmentation plans aligned with the vision of Viksit Odisha @2036 and Viksit Bharat @2047, while flagging operational challenges that will be escalated to higher authorities for resolution.

The Principal Secretary also directed WATCO to conduct a comprehensive survey of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across Odisha, particularly those facing acute drinking water shortages during summer. The survey will assess source sustainability, treatment and storage capacity, distribution efficiency and peak seasonal demand, enabling targeted interventions and strengthening emergency preparedness.

Currently, Bhubaneswar receives water from six treatment plants at Mundali, Palasuni, Chandrasekharpur, Naharkanta, Bhuasuni and High-Level Tank systems, drawing from the Mahanadi, Kuakhai and Daya rivers.

Future augmentation plans include commissioning a 130 MLD WTP at Mundali within six months, a 20 MLD WTP at Naharkanta by 2028, and a proposal to lift 1000 MLD of raw water from the Mahanadi at Mundali in two phases to meet the city’s demand for the next 50 years. Additionally, a 400 MLD WTP is planned to achieve the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.

Upon commissioning of the upcoming Mundali plant, WATCO will be able to ensure reliable water supply to all apartments and institutional establishments in Bhubaneswar, significantly improving service coverage. The review reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to sustainable, future-ready water infrastructure for the capital and adjoining areas.